Recently on News And Talk WAOK, Republican candidate for Governor and father of four Leland "Jake" Olinger, joined the program to speak about his 2026 bid for Georgia governor.
Mr. Olinger said his children inspired the run. He rejected the idea that only career politicians can lead.
"The biggest thing is my kids," Mr. Olinger said. "And how I don't like the government or anybody telling us or telling me you can't do something because of this or that."
Mr. Olinger, who lost state Senate bids in 2022 and 2024, presented pre-drafted "reform acts." His 50-50 Family Law Reform Act would mandate equal custody and make child support a last resort, arguing the current system harms mental health and fuels high male suicide rates.
"You change everything with family law that puts it a 50-50 custody between parents and child support, the last thing, the last resort," he said.
To reduce financial stress, Mr. Olinger proposed full marijuana legalization, not just recreational or medical, but industrial uses like biodiesel, with accessible licensing so average families can build businesses. He criticized Georgia’s current system for favoring insiders.
On healthcare, he called universal free coverage impossible and suggested a $12 annual plan for healthy young adults, saving families thousands yearly. Tax reforms would eliminate property taxes on homes, shift burdens to corporations and end abatements for data centers.
Mr. Olinger connected with listeners over rising costs, citing Georgia Power bills that doubled or tripled this summer due to Public Service Commission decisions.
"I'm just like everybody else," he said. "I'm affected every day by the same decisions that they make up there as everybody else."
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.